Moderator brings grace and order to town hall

Verna Jones, director national VA&R comission, moderates a town hall at the American Legion in Phoenix, Ariz. May 13, 2014. The American Legion has called for resignation of VA Secretary Shinseki on problems at the Phoenix VA Medical Center.(Photo: Michael Chow/The Republic)

For nearly four hours on Tuesday night, Verna Jones was the picture of patience and compassion as she made sure every person in a long line had a chance to speak at the American Legion Town Hall on Veterans Affairs patient care.

Jones was the face of the highly charged event as its moderator, gracefully keeping order and letting veterans, family members and politicians take their turns describing frustrations and concerns with the Phoenix VA Health Care System.

Jones, national director of the veterans affairs and rehabilitation division of the American Legion, said before the meeting that Legion officials came to listen and that it was their role to advocate for veterans.

"We want to find a way to restore faith in the system," Jones said. "And the VA needs to be transparent."